Culture and Employment: What cultural industry for Africa?: is a topical theme in Mali, a country with great potential in the field of cultural tourism. During this post-crisis period, the basic needs remain the economic recovery and the creation of decent jobs for young people. The Festival celebrates its 11th edition with specific innovations to make it unique. 

For the first time, the Festival will introduce the Night of the Balafon, organized in partnership with the Association of Balafon Players of Mali. The balafon is a traditional instrument of communication in our country, and with its message of harmony and reconciliation we will celebrate the beginning of the return of peace and national reconstruction.

The second major innovation is the Traveling Festival on the River. In partnership with other festivals, it will feature artists from all regions of Mali, and present traveling shows along the river . For this first edition, the itinerant festival is visiting the cities of Segou, Mopti and Kayes.

The Night of Peace and Friendship will host the 2nd edition of the Cultural Caravan for Peace, a Trans-Saharan project  for culture, peace and tolerance, which promotes dialogue, cultural exchange and social cohesion in the Sahel and Sahara regions.

Internationally renowned artists and actors will perform during four nights of Theater and Dance, with the Master Habib Dembélé (Guimba),   the multidisciplinary artist Kary B. Coulibaly aka Madou Wolo and the professional dancer Kettly Noël.  

National and international personalities will be present during the Symposium of Ségou and the Professional Artistic Meetings at the Foundation Festival sur le Niger and the Kôrè Cultural Center. Once again, the city of Segou will be a the meeting place for professionals of the world of culture, arts and entertainment. The Symposium of Ségou and the Professional Artistic Meeting have invited national and international personalities.